Monument record MDO8618 - Upper, Central and Lower Pleasure Gardens, Bournemouth

Public gardens created in the nineteenth century and further developed during the twentieth century. The Lower Pleasure Gardens were laid out in the 1840s for the Meyrick family and became town property in 1873. The Upper and Central Pleasure Gardens had been the property of the Durrant family and were laid out 1871-89 by the Bournemouth Improvement Commissioners.

The gardens run inland for c.3km in a roughly north-westerly direction, following the course of the Bourne Stream, and lie on slightly undulating ground to either side of the stream. South-eastern end at Pier Approach, north-western at the junction of Branksome Wood Road and Coy Pond Road, where the Coy Pond Gardens continue west-north-west for another 600m, still following the course of the Bourne.

The Lower Pleasure Gardens were laid out in 1840s for the Meyrick family under the influence of Decimus Burton, and became town property in 1873. The Upper and Central Pleasure Gardens had been the property of the Durant family, were acquired by the town, and were laid out 1871-89 by the Bournemouth Improvement Commissioners. The entire complex of gardens, walks and adjacent roads is a fine example of the application of J C Loudon's conception of the 'gardenesque', in relation to the association of urban villas and gardens with public parks. Considerable variation in features, with belts of trees, shrubbery, and lawns, crossed by winding paths, and open areas with promenades, formal bedding, and views of the sea and public buildings.

The Lower Pleasure Gardens (from the Square to Pier Approach), being between the main shopping area and the seafront, are subject to more intensive use, while the Upper and Central areas retain more of their original resiential suroundings. Planting in the Lower Pleasure Gardens retains early 19th century conifers, with 20th century ornamental shrubs and formal bedding. Putting green, bandstand. The Central Pleasure Gardens crossed since late 1970s by Wessex Way, adjacent to tennis courts. Ornamental shrubs, mature individual trees and bedding displays.

19th century ornamental public gardens, c.17 1/2ha, further developed in 20th century. The Lower Pleasure Gardens were laid out in 1840s for the Meyrick family and became town property in 1873. The Upper and Central Pleasure Gardens had been the property of the Durrant family and were laid out 1871-89 by the Bournemouth Improvement Commissioners. [Full topographical description] LISTED GRADE II*. <2>

<1> Ordnance Survey, Ordnance Survey 1:10,000 scale map, 1975 (Map). SDO17396.

[Area Centred SZ 07909163] Upper Central Gdns [NAT]

<2> English Heritage, 1984-1987, Register of parks and gardens of special historic interest in England: Dorset, 12 (Monograph). SWX1383.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1900, Ordnance Survey 25-inch map, epoch two (Map). SDO11594.

<4> English Heritage, National Heritage List for England, 1000724 (Digital archive). SDO12876.

<5> English Heritage, 2005, Register of parks and gardens of special historic interest in England: Dorset (Revised) (Monograph). SDO17438.

<6> Historic England, Historic England Archive, OP10438 (Index). SDO14738.

A view of one of the stone footbridges in the Pleasure Gardens. The Pleasure Gardens developed as a public space in the mid-19th century, and by the end of the century they had become a popular place to walk.

<7> Historic England, Historic England Archive, OP10439 (Index). SDO14738.

A view along Invalid's Walk in the Pleasure Gardens. The Pleasure Gardens developed as a public space in the mid-19th century, and by the end of the century they had become a popular place to walk.

<8> Historic England, Historic England Archive, OP10470 (Index). SDO14738.

A view between trees across the Pleasure Gardens. The Pleasure Gardens developed as a public space in the mid-19th century, and by the end of the century they had become a popular place to walk.

<9> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39496 (Index). SDO14738.

A view in the Lower Gardens showing the stream and Pine Walk: The card is postmarked August 1959 and is part of the Thunder and Clayden "Sunray Series".

<10> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39497 (Index). SDO14738.

The rockeries in front of the Pavilion in the Pleasure Gardens: The card is postmarked July 1951.

<11> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39500 (Index). SDO14738.

A view of the Pavilion in the Lower Pleasure Gardens seen from Bath Road: The card is postmarked April 1947.

<12> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39601 (Index). SDO14738.

A view of the Pavilion in the Lower Pleasure Gardens

<13> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39602 (Index). SDO14738.

A view of the Pavilion and Rock Gardens in the Lower Pleasure Gardens:

<14> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39605 (Index). SDO14738.

A view from the Pavilion looking down onto the Rock Gardens in the Lower Pleasure Gardens: The card is postmarked August 1936

<15> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39606 (Index). SDO14738.

A view from the Pavilion looking down onto the Rock Gardens in the Lower Pleasure Gardens: The card is postmarked August 1935 and is part of Wades "Sunny South" Real Photograph Series.

<16> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39608 (Index). SDO14738.

Visitors wandering through the Pavilion Rock Gardens: The card is postmarked August 1938 and is part of Wade's "Sunny South" Real Photograph Series.

<17> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39609 (Index). SDO14738.

The pond in the Pavilion Rock Gardens

<18> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39610 (Index). SDO14738.

The rockery in the Pavilion Rock Gardens beside the river Bourne

<19> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39611 (Index). SDO14738.

The rockery in the Pavilion Rock Gardens beside the river Bourne

<20> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39612 (Index). SDO14738.

A view from the Pavilion looking down onto the Rock Gardens in the Lower Pleasure Gardens

<21> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39613 (Index). SDO14738.

Visitors strolling in the Lower Pleasure Gardens

<22> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39615 (Index). SDO14738.

The river Bourne flowing through the Lower Gardens: The card is postmarked August 1939.

<23> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39616 (Index). SDO14738.

An elevated view looking south across the Central Gardens: The card was posted between 1951 and 1952.

<24> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39617 (Index). SDO14738.

A view in the Central Gardens with St Peter's Church spire in the background

<25> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39619 (Index). SDO14738.

Visitors strolling through the Central Gardens: The card is postmarked September 1923.

<26> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39620 (Index). SDO14738.

An elevated view looking down onto the Lower Gardens and the junction of Gervis Place and Old Christchurch Road: The card is postmarked August 1932.

<27> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39622 (Index). SDO14738.

A view in the Central Gardens with the spire of St Peter's Church visible to the left

<28> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39624 (Index). SDO14738.

The fountain in the Central Gardens: The card is postmarked July 1933.

<29> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39625 (Index). SDO14738.

The fountain in the Central Gardens: The card is postmarked April 1938.

<30> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39629 (Index). SDO14738.

A view of the Upper Gardens seen from the Square: The card is postmarked July 1922.

<31> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39631 (Index). SDO14738.

A view in the Upper Gardens looking towards the War Memorial and the Town Hall in the background: The card is postmarked May 1952.

<32> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39632 (Index). SDO14738.

A view in the Upper Gardens looking towards the War Memorial and the Town Hall in the backgroun:The card is postmarked July 192.

<33> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39633 (Index). SDO14738.

Children's Corner in the Pleasure Gardens: The card is postmarked May 1915.

<34> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39634 (Index). SDO14738.

Children's Corner in the Pleasure Gardens

<35> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39635 (Index). SDO14738.

Children's Corner in the Pleasure Gardens

<36> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39636 (Index). SDO14738.

Children's Corner and the new bandstand in the Pleasure Gardens: The card is postmarked July 1951.

<37> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39637 (Index). SDO14738.

A view along Invalids' Walk in the Pleasure Garden: The card is postmarked August 1910.

<38> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39638 (Index). SDO14738.

A view in the Pleasure Gardens showing the fountain: Part of the "Bromide Gloss" series.

<39> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39639 (Index). SDO14738.

A view in the Pleasure Gardens showing the spire of St Peter's Church

<40> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39641 (Index). SDO14738.

A view of the Town Hall seen from the Pleasure Gardens: The card is postmarked May 1931.

<41> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39642 (Index). SDO14738.

The Upper Pine Walk in the Pleasure Gardens: The card is postmarked May 1939.

<42> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39643 (Index). SDO14738.

The Upper Pine Walk in the Pleasure Gardens: Part of Wade's "Sunny South" real photographic series.

<43> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC39795 (Index). SDO14738.

A view of people by the pond with terraced gardens beyond

<44> Historic England, Historic England Archive, PC40064 (Index). SDO14738.

The Lower Pleasure Gardens and Pavilion illuminated at night: The card is postmarked July 1935.

<45> National Record of the Historic Environment, 619285 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Aug 29 2024 1:34PM